breathing
rate
An increase in the number of breaths per minute may indicate that a
person is having trouble breathing or not getting enough oxygen.
color
changes
A
bluish color seen around the mouth, on the inside of the lips, or on
the fingernails may occur when a person is not getting as much oxygen
as needed. The color of the skin may also appear pale or gray.
grunting
A grunting
sound can be heard each time the person exhales. This grunting is the
body's way of trying to keep air in the lungs so they will stay open.
nose
flaring
The
openings of the nose spreading open while breathing may indicate that a
person is having to work harder to breathe.
retractions
The chest
appears to sink in just below the neck and/or under the breastbone
with each breath -- one way of trying to bring more
air into the lungs.
sweating
There may be increased sweat on the head, but the skin
does not feel warm to the touch. More often, the skin may feel cool or
clammy. This may happen when the breathing rate is very fast.
wheezing
A
tight, whistling or musical sound heard with each breath may indicate that the air passages may be smaller, making it more
difficult to breathe.
